Video: Thousands of soldiers at risk for ID theft

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FORT LEWIS, Wash. – Thousands of Fort Lewis soldiers may be at risk for identity theft after a laptop computer with their personal information was stolen.

The Army has launched an investigation.

Just back from Iraq, Stryker Brigade soldiers probably thought they could let their guard down, but now they face a big security headache.

The 4,000 troops of the 4th Brigade 2nd Infantry Division just returned from a 14-month-long deployment in Iraq and they celebrated a long-awaited homecoming. But just a week after the celebration, a laptop was stolen – possibly on the Fourth of July – that contained brigade members' social security numbers and other personal information.

"Where was that laptop?... Why was it able to be stolen?" questioned Kristen Manning.

Fort Lewis issued the following statement:

The Army takes security of personal information extremely seriously. We will investigate the incident (and) learn from it to better protect our soldiers and families.

So, as Stryker soldiers enjoy their 30-day leave, they are also being told to keep an eye on credit reports.

"Back-to-back deployments being gone a lot of the time, you can't do much about it half way around the world," said veteran David Bell.

It's unclear at this point exactly how many soldiers are affected by this theft and Fort Lewis isn't saying where or how the laptop was stolen.